Our Stories of Impact
Introducing the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation
Understanding the way that Birkley lived begins with how he loved the planet and all its creatures. It begins by understanding the truth that we are all interconnected.
Athens Area Community Foundation Partnership
As we continue to roll out the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation’s initial set of partners, we want to acknowledge our gratitude for the support of the Athens Area Community Foundation (AACF).
First Grant made to Shell to Shore’s Birkley Heynen Internship Program
While the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation will be focusing on fund raising and foundation development during our initial phase, we are excited to share that we have made our first small grant to support a paid internship to Shell the Shore.
UGA’s Office of Sustainability initiates Annual “Birkley Heynen Whale Fall Award”
When Birkley unexpectedly passed away, many people began to recognize and talk about the impacts he had on their lives and the way they thought about environmental issues. The conversations we started to have helped us understand how much of an impact he had on the people around him and in part inspired our effort to create the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation.
Classic City Cycling Partnership
We are very excited to share that Classic City Cycling will be a partner of the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation. The spin studio will dedicate one class a month as a “Ride for Birk” and proceeds from that class will be donated to the Foundation account.
Turtle Trot 5K
Shortly after Birk passed away, his UGA Office of Sustainability community organized and held the first Turtle Trot 5K 🐢. Birk had started running in Costa Rica during his study abroad when he could not cycle and in the months prior to his passing he ran his first half-marathon in Athens and full marathon in Atlanta.
UGA’s Odum School of Ecology Partnership
As we are working to establish the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation, we are grateful that the leadership at School of Ecology are interested in partnering with us as we move forward.
Planning for the work ahead with Kaptiv8
The work ahead for the Birkley Heynen Environmental Foundation, as we develop the environmental grants program, which is one of our main objectives, will require far reaching outreach and communication.
Follow along with our journey on Instagram @birkleyheynenef